Mattress

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a mattress for providing comfort and support for an individual, and in particular, to a mattress structured to have independent sections that are configured to support an individual in a manner that supports the individual&#39;s body to improve comfort and avoid spinal misalignment issues from developing. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a mattress for supporting an individual thereon, the mattress comprising: at least two sections configured to support different regions of a body of the individual, at least one of the at least two sections having a different firmness to the other sections; wherein the at least two sections are independently configured such that they are isolated from each other both internally and externally.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a mattress for providingcomfort and support for an individual, and in particular, to a mattressstructured to have independent sections that are configured to supportan individual in a manner that supports the individual's body to improvecomfort and avoid spinal misalignment issues from developing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As individuals are known to spend a significant proportion of theirlives in bed, the selection of a mattress to provide comfort and supportto the individual whilst in bed is an important decision.

The mattress market generally provides a variety of different types ofmattresses depending upon the preferences of the individual. These aregenerally marketed as being of a particular firmness level, generallysoft, medium or firm. Individuals can then use this as a guide toidentify the type of mattress that they find the most comfortable.

More recently, mattresses have become more scientifically designed tosuite the specific body type of the individual. As such the structure ofthe mattress is configured to provide variable support across the lengthof the mattress, to ensure those regions of the body that may be heavierare more firmly supported than other lighter regions of the body. Whilstsuch a variable mattress structure may make sense from a theoretical orscientific point of view, due to the manner in which most mattresses aremanufactured, when the mattress is assembled it may have a more uniformfirmness than expected and designed. This is mainly due to the mattressbeing made in a single piece having a common upper surface that retainsthe integral structure of the mattress, despite the internal coils orsprings having a variable arrangement.

Most mattresses generally fall into two types of structures based uponthe top panel configuration. A first type is a mattress having a quiltedtop panel wherein the top layer of the mattress comprises smaller filmsof foam that are stitched together and then stitched on the uppersurface of the mattress as a quilted layer/pattern. The other type ofmattress is a mattress having a fabric only top panel. This type ofmattress generally comprises a one-piece smooth fabric panel thatenvelopes the mattress and the support mechanisms within.

Irrespective of the type of mattress, the end result is that themattress has a single panel surface that is sealed and secured onto thetop of the mattress. Thus, as an individual lies on the mattress, theweight and pressure applied by the individual through the top of themattress progresses through the various layers until it reaches amaximum stretch point. This then creates a resistance across the surfaceof the mattress which is generally referred to as a “hammock effect”which can potentially result in spinal misalignment issues and cause anunnecessary build-up of pressure on various parts of the body,significantly impacting the individual's quality of sleep, rest andgeneral wellbeing.

Thus, there is a need to create a mattress that has a structure thatpresents a support surface to the individual that comprises distinctseparate areas that avoids a “hammock effect” from occurring.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or productsare not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements oradmissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, theabove prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or wellknown by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understandingof the inventive step of the present invention of which theidentification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in theindependent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of theinvention are defined in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a mattressfor supporting an individual thereon, the mattress comprising: at leasttwo sections configured to support different regions of a body of theindividual, at least one of the at least two sections having a differentfirmness to the other sections; wherein the at least two sections areindependently configured such that they are isolated from each otherboth internally and externally.

In one embodiment, each of the at least two sections comprise springsand/or layers of support material configured to form a body having apredetermined firmness and the springs and/or layers of support materialof each section are separated from each other such that the sectionsoperate independently.

Each of the at least two sections may comprise a top cover that forms atop surface of the mattress. The top cover for each of the at least twosections may be separated from each other by way of a gap that extendstherebetween.

The mattress may comprise three sections: a top section for supporting ahead and neck region of the individual; a middle section for supportinga shoulder and torso region of the individual; and a lower section forsupporting a hip and leg region of the individual. At least one of thetop section, middle section or bottom section of the mattress may have aquilted panel top surface, and at least one of the top section, middlesection or bottom section of the mattress may have a fabric panel topsurface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limitingdescription of preferred embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art mattress of a first type;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art mattress of a second type;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mattress in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mattress in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a mattress in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention with a top cover or surface removed; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of the mattress of FIG. 5 with the top surfaceapplied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described withparticular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to beunderstood that the features illustrated in and described with referenceto the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of theinvention.

The present invention will be described below in relation to aconventional mattress for supporting a sleeping or resting individual ina substantially horizontal position. The mattress of the describedembodiment may be used in a conventional slat base frame or as part ofan ensemble arrangement. However, it will be appreciated that themattress of the present invention could be used in a variety ofdifferent applications as would be appreciated by those skilled in theart.

Referring to FIG. 1 a conventional mattress 10 in accordance with afirst type is depicted. This mattress 10 has continuous side walls 12that extend about the perimeter of the mattress to define the overallshape of the mattress 10, namely a rectangular shape as depicted. Theside walls also function to enclose the internal springs and otherstructural components of the mattress 10 so as to form a continuousperimeter of the mattress. The internal springs (not shown) may beconfigured to provide regions of variable levels of firmness along thelength and across the breadth of the mattress 10. Layers of foam mayalso be employed in the body of the mattress to provide additionalfirmness support, depending the requirements of the user.

The top 14 of the mattress 10 is in the form of a continuous stitchedpiece typically referred to as a “quilted top”. The “quilted top” 14generally comprises a complete fabric top layer having multiple comfortlayer combinations stitched to an underside thereof, typically in theform of smaller films of foam. The top 14 is then stitched onto theupper surface of the mattress such that it attaches at its periphery tothe side walls 12 to form a primary comfort layer on the top or externaltop surface of the mattress 10, which is on contact with theindividual's body.

FIG. 2 depicts another common type of mattress 20 in accordance with theprior art. This mattress 20 is constructed similarly to the mattress 10of FIG. 1 and comprises a main body defined by continuous side walls 22that house the springs and foam layers of the mattress therein. The top24 of the mattress is a single fabric layer that generally comprises aloose fabric that is cut to size and stitched to the top of the sidewalls 22. The top 24 functions to envelop the support mechanism withinthe mattress 20.

A problem with the configuration of the mattresses 10, 20 of FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 is that the top panel 14, 24 is in the form of a single piece ormember that is sealed and secured onto the surface of the mattress 10,20, about a periphery thereof The top panel 14, 24 attaches at itsperiphery to the top of the side walls 12, 22 to provide a constant,uninterrupted surface over the top of the mattress that encloses theupper surface of the mattress. However, in such an arrangement, when anindividual lies on the mattress 10, 20 and is supported by the mattress10, 20, the weight of the individual applies a pressure that progressesthrough the internal structure of the mattress 10, 20, namely thesprings and foam layers contained therein. The internal structure of themattress will react to the pressure applied thereto by the weight of theindividual and provide various degrees of firmness as required. However,the flexibility of the top panel 14, 24 will, at some time, reach amaximum stretch point due to its continuous nature, thereby creating adegree of resistance that is referred to as the “hammock effect”. Thistaught stretching of the top panel 14, 24 can prevent the individualfrom obtaining the benefit of the true support of the internal structureof the mattress due to the top panel 14, 24 forming a hammock-typestructure. As a result, despite the mattress structure being configuredto promote correct spinal alignment and maximum comfort for theindividual, the effect of the top panel 14, 24 creating resistance tothe weight forces of the individual can result in the mattress failingto provide the benefits it is intended to provide. This can result inthe individual experiencing spinal misalignment issues and excesspressure on various parts of the body, having a significant impact onthe quality of sleep or rest and exacerbating other potential healthproblems.

To address this, a mattress 30 in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention is proposed. Two embodiments of the mattress 30are depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

In FIG. 3, the mattress 30 has a substantially rectangular body definedby side walls 32. In the embodiment as shown, the in FIG. 3, the sidewalls 32 are shown as 15 being continuous, however in a preferred formthe side walls 32 may be separate between sections of the mattress, asis shown in FIG. 4. The mattress 30 is divided into two sections, a topsection 31 and a lower section 33. The sections 31, 33 may be determinedbased on the region of the individual's body that they are configured tosupport. In this regard, the top section 31 may be located to supportthe head and shoulders of the individual when they are lying on themattress, with the lower section 33 being configured to support the hipsand legs of the individual.

Each of the sections 31, 33 may be structured to provide differentfirmness settings or varying degrees of firmness and support through theuse of conventional springs and foams as is well known in the art. Thefirmness settings may vary between soft medium and hard, and any settinginbetween. Depending upon the specific somatotype of the individual, thesections 31, 33 can be structured to provide the appropriate degree offirmness to suite an individual with a predetermined somatotype.

In the embodiment of the mattress depicted in FIG. 3, three sections 34,35 and 36 are provided in the mattress to support three specific regionsof the individual's body. It will be appreciated that the number ofsections of the mattress 30 may vary from two to as many as ten,depending on the requirements of the individual.

Each section of the mattress 30 are configured to be independent of eachother. Internally, the sections are configured independently with coilsprings and foam layers being positioned within the desired section soas to be independent from, and not directly connected to, theneighbouring section.

Externally, the sections of the mattress are also visibly independentfrom and not connected to each other section, as shown. The top surfaceof the mattress clearly shows each section having its own individual topsurface, 31 a, 33 a, 34 a, 35 a and 36 a. The top surface 31 a, 33 a, 34a, 35 a and 36 a of each section may be a quilted top panel or a loosefabric top as discussed in relation to the prior art. Irrespective ofthe configuration of the top surface 31 a, 33 a, 34 a, 35 a and 36 a,they are separate and independent from each other.

It will be appreciated that each independent section of the mattress 30provides maximum adaptability or ‘give’ for the dedicated region of theindividual's body to provide the optimal pressure relief and optimalspinal alignment for the individual as they are supported on themattress.

FIG. 5 depicts a mattress 30 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention in more detail. The mattress 30 is shown as havingthree distinct sections, a top section 40, a shoulder section 44 and abottom section 48.

The top section 40 is designed for supporting the head and neck regionof the individual. The top section 40 may be constructed to have a highdegree of firmness and may employ springs and foam inserts (not shown)to achieve this. The top surface of the top section 40 may comprise aquilted panel top 42 that extends only over the top section, as shown inFIG. 6.

The shoulder section 44 is formed to be totally independent from the topsection 40 and bottom section 48 and there is a gap formed between thetop section 40 and bottom section 48 to facilitate this. The shouldersection 44 is configured to have a reduced firmness such that theindividual's shoulder is able to sink into the mattress naturallywithout having limitations imposed upon its functionality due to anyinteraction between the top section 40 or bottom section 48, or theindividual's body weight or shape.

As is depicted in FIG. 5, to provide the shoulder section 44 with thedesired amount of ‘give’ to support the shoulder region of theindividual, a gel matrix 45 may be provided to extend across theshoulder section 44 as shown. The gel matrix 45 comprises a latex layerhaving a plurality of pockets 46 filled with a gel material. Such aregion provides a degree of ‘give’ or softness to support the shoulderand arm regions of the individual whilst sleeping or resting such thatthe shoulder section 44 can independently accommodate the shoulder andarms of the individual with the top section 40 and bottom section 48retaining a different firmness.

The top surface of the shoulder section 44 is provided with a fabriccover 47 as shown in FIG. 6. The fabric cover 47 is placed over thestructure of the shoulder section 44 and attached about its perimeter toprovide complete separation of the shoulder section 44 from the topsection 40 and the bottom section 48, as shown.

The bottom section 48 is formed independently from the shoulder section44 and is configured to have a firmness sufficient to support theindividual's hips and legs whilst sleeping or resting. The bottomsection 48 may comprise springs and foam layers to provide the desiredfirmness to support the individual as required. The top surface of thebottom section 48 may comprise a quilted panel top 49 that extends onlyover the bottom section, as shown in FIG. 6.

As is shown in FIG. 6, the end result of the mattress 30 is a mattresshaving a top surface that clearly shows the separated sections of themattress such that the different sections have their own top panel andno top panel surface extends between sections of the mattress. There isa clear gap between sections 40, 44 and 48 that provides separation ofthe sections, enabling each section to function in the manner asdesigned, without a consistent top panel connecting the upper surfacesthereof Therefore, by having individually separated top surfaces foreach of the sections of the mattress 30 there is no restrictionpreventing the independent sections from working in the designed manner,ensuring that the sections provide comfort to the user in the requiredbody regions and ensuring spinal alignment and a comfortable sleep andor rest.

The side walls 32 of the mattress may also be formed independentlybetween sections to minimise interaction between sections of themattress. In this regard, a flexible wrap material may be provided aboutthe periphery of the side walls of the mattress to provide a continuousexternal wall “look” for the mattress without adversely effecting eachsection from performing its desired supportive function.

The mattress of the present invention has a top surface that clearlydemonstrates the different sections of the mattress and the fact thatthe sections are independent from each other. Not only are the internalstructures of the different mattress sections independent and separatedfrom each other, but the external or upper surface of the mattresssections are also covered in an independent and separated manner Thenumber of independent sections present in the mattress can vary asrequired and a mattress may comprise multiple independent sections asrequired to suit the needs of the individual user.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and itsderivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusivemeaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requiresotherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will betaken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, stepsor features that it directly references, but also other components,steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary isexpressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such asvertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpretedas relational and are based on the premise that the component, item,article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in aparticular orientation, typically with the mattress uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that manymodifications and variations may be made to the methods of the inventiondescribed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A mattress for supporting an individual thereon, the mattresscomprising: at least two sections configured to support differentregions of a body of the individual, at least one of the at least twosections having a different firmness setting to another section of theat least two sections; wherein the at least two sections are arrangedwithin the mattress such that they are separated from each other along atop and side surface thereof.
 2. A mattress according to claim 1,wherein each of the at least two sections comprise springs and/or layersof support material configured to form a body having a predeterminedfirmness setting and the springs and/or layers of support material ofeach section are separated from each other such that the sectionsoperate independently.
 3. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein eachof the at least two sections comprise a top cover that forms a topsurface of the mattress.
 4. A mattress according to claim 3, wherein thetop cover for each of the at least two sections are separated from eachother by way of a gap that extends therebetween.
 5. A mattress accordingto any of the preceding claims, wherein the mattress comprises threesections, a top section for supporting a head and neck region of theindividual, a middle section for supporting a shoulder and torso regionof the individual and a lower section for supporting a hip and legregion of the individual.
 6. A mattress according to claim 5, wherein atleast one of the top section, middle section or bottom section of themattress has a quilted panel top surface, and at least one of the topsection, middle section or bottom section of the mattress has a fabricpanel top surface.